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Reyna Tropical – “Cartagena”
Spring break comes early thanks to this equatorial track, a warm breeze of a single infused with a cumbia beat to keep it spicy. Reyna Tropical was a duo before the tragic loss of producer Sumohair in 2022. Vocalist/guitarist Fabiola Reyna continues making music in the vein of their creation, along with efforts in activism and otherwise: Reyna is also the founder and force behind She Shreds magazine, for women who play guitar and bass. And you can experience her live on air — Reyna Tropical will play Morning Becomes Eclectic on Wednesday, April 3.
Mamalarky – “Mythical Bonds”
Bust out your friendship bracelet materials and prepare to share: this track’s your anthem celebrating the mythical bonds that bind a chosen family. A four-top out of Austin, then LA, and now Atlanta, Mamalarky oozes “friends IRL” energy, probably even when they’re not singing about it. Musically, this all-analog track is just as easy of a hang — jammy, silly, and a bit wild in the middle; it has a certain teenage quality that’s super fun to soak in. I <3 U 4ever!
BODEGA – “City is Taken”
Hot pavement, eccentric figures, blocks of scaffolding, and mystery drips from above — this one’s for city folk. NYC band Bodega even carry their urban proclivities into their name, presumably an homage to the spot on the corner for your cigarettes, gum, and baconeggandcheese. Featuring wide guitar riffs, vocals that stomp, and an alt-rock sound that’s both defiant and welcoming, this track caught our attention at SXSW. Bodega’s latest album, Our Brand Could Be Yr Life, is out April 12.
Snõõper – “Pod”
Did somebody say defiant? Enter Nashville band Snõõper, who present this hard-candy punk track with the measured dedication of a cheerleading squad leading chants at the big game. Hit play on this one for an all-gas-no-breaks delivery of energized guitars, relentless percussion, and an anti-establishment visual collage to keep it all fueled, fast, and furious. Snooper has much more — check out their discography for your fuzz punk fix.
Faux Real – “The United Snakes of America”
Confidently walking the thin line between art and parody are Faux Real, a duo of brothers who stood out from the rest at this year’s SXSW in every possible way. Rocking matching ‘fits and erupting in belted harmonies, these two present a stylishly maximalist protest of life as we know it here in the “United Snakes.” Hit play for big-big grooves, brain-blasting synth effects, autotune for the hell of it, and yes, live reptiles.